Anant Maharaj stripped of state's highest civilian award over Bose comments

Kolkata, 13 August – West Bengal’s government has officially rescinded the Bangabhushan, the state’s top civilian accolade, from BJP Rajya Sabha member Nagendra Ray, known as Anant Maharaj. The revocation follows the MP’s recent declarations that downplayed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s contribution to India’s liberation and alleged mishandling of the Indian National Army.

The Department of Information and Cultural Affairs issued a formal notification, signed by Special Commissioner Kaushik Basak, stating that the “serious nature of certain facts and circumstances” makes it inappropriate to continue the award. While the notice does not name the comments directly, it alludes to the controversy surrounding the MP’s remarks.

The document declares that maintaining the Bangabhushan would be inconsistent with the award’s dignity, reputation and objectives. As a result, the honour is withdrawn with immediate effect, and the recipient loses any associated privileges or recognitions. Government agencies have been directed to erase his name from the official award register.

The MP’s statements, made earlier in August, suggested that Netaji had no meaningful role in the independence movement and accused the leader of exploiting the Azad Hind Fauj. The remarks prompted swift condemnation from political leaders, historians, and veteran groups.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had warned that disrespect toward Netaji would not be tolerated, irrespective of political affiliation, and ordered law‑enforcement agencies to act against defamatory content online. Police subsequently arrested a young man from North Dinajpur on charges of posting offensive material about Netaji on social media platforms.

The episode underscores the sensitivity surrounding national icons and the potential for state recognitions to be re‑evaluated in light of public sentiment.